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6.09.2013

Delicious Smoothies with Berries from Mariano's

As part of a sponsored post for Collective Bias®, I made delicious smoothies using berries from Mariano's. It's rummage sale season and V and I have to be up and out of the house pretty early to get first look at the merch. As V is not always into that eating jazz and I'm still functioning on a half liquid diet with the new braces, I make smoothies for us to have before heading out the door. We both like fruit and enjoy eating strawberries and blueberries during the summer.

Given our no-chew situation, I've found smoothies to be the perfect healthy snack for when we're on the go anytime! I have several preparation methods for a berry smoothie. I usually vary a mix of:

I add raw oatmeal and non-dairy milk when I'm looking for a heavier snack. It helps keep us full whether we're rummaging for treasure or running errands. Later in the day after nap but before dinner, I'll go with a lighter snack using berries and coconut water. Agave is added for a little extra sweetness.

All of the ingredients were purchased at Mariano's. There's a berry sale going on!

Mariano's has become my favorite place for my big weekly grocery shopping trip. I think it's V's favorite too. She loves the car carts. She happily "steers the cart" while I go through the aisles. A few weeks ago, there was even a magic show. As it turns out, every month there's an event for kids -- free..plus snacks!

It's a grocery store that is so much more. I can find all of our favorite brands and a variety of produce at decent prices. We can save more money by using the rewards card and shopping the sales. Even when not in store, I can visit the Mariano's community page for healthy recipes and meal suggestions based on what's on sale in the store.

Having viewed the page tonight, it looks like I'll be making another trip soon for melon! They're on sale too and would be a great addition to the smoothie blend.

To see Violet help make smoothies visit my Google+ album. Visit Mariano's on Facebook or Twitter to stay up to date with sales and events in store.

Are you in Chicago? Do you shop Mariano's? What's your experience?

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias and #MyMarianos.